9 Best Marketing Consultants in New York City • Scottmax.com

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New York City is a hub for diverse industries, and with such competition, businesses need effective marketing strategies to stand out. Enter the marketing consultant—an individual expert with years of experience helping brands build their presence, engage audiences, and drive measurable results.

While marketing agencies are plentiful, consultants bring a personal, often specialized approach to business growth, offering tailored strategies and solutions. This article highlights some of the best marketing consultants in NYC, each with their unique approach, skill set, and reputation. We’ll assess them based on their years of experience, service offerings, measurable outcomes, and client communication.

A marketing consultant is your business’s temporary “marketing brain for sale.” They're experts you can tap into when you need serious strategic thinking but don't want to deal with an agency. They drop in, fix things, drive results, and leave. Simple.

You bring in a marketing consultant when you're at a crossroads—whether you’re hitting a growth ceiling, launching something new, or trying to figure out why your marketing ROI has tanked. It’s when you need a fresh pair of expert eyes to dig into your numbers, reposition your brand, or kick start growth. It’s not about getting basic advice—it’s about shaking things up to get you back on track.

In simple terms, hire an individual consultant when you need specialized, agile, and hands-on help. You’re not looking for a whole team to run things; you want one sharp mind to handle strategy. It’s perfect if you have an in-house team that can handle execution but needs a blueprint.

On the other hand, hire an agency if you need large-scale execution, like full content production, ongoing campaign management, or you just don't have the internal resources to handle any of the tactical work.

1. Day Rate

Pros:

Easy to Budget: You know exactly what you're paying for each day they work.
Flexible Engagement: Perfect if you’re looking for short-term help or need an expert for specific tasks without a long-term commitment.
High Focus: Consultants tend to be highly focused on your business since they’re being paid for every day they’re involved.

Cons:

Potential for Dragging Out Work: There’s a risk that a consultant might stretch the project longer than necessary to rack up more billable days.
No Guarantee of Results: Just because you’re paying for their time doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed tangible outcomes or solutions by the end of the day.

2. Retainer-Based

Pros:

Consistent Support: A retainer ensures that the consultant is available to you regularly, providing ongoing expertise for long-term projects.
Predictable Costs: You can budget for consulting services more easily since the fee is fixed monthly.
Priority Access: Consultants on a retainer are often more available, allowing businesses to address issues or strategy changes without delays.

Cons:

Unused Hours: If you don’t use the consultant’s time effectively, you’re still paying the full fee, even if the work slows down.
Commitment: Retainers can lock you into long-term agreements, which may not be ideal if your needs fluctuate or change unexpectedly.

3. Project-Based

Pros:

Clear Deliverables: You know exactly what you’re getting for the money. It’s a fixed price for a fixed outcome.
No Surprises: Unlike day rates, where costs can spiral, project-based pricing ensures you won’t suddenly be hit with extra charges mid-way through.
Incentivizes Efficiency: Consultants are motivated to get the project done well and quickly since they’ve already agreed to a set fee.

Cons:

Scope Creep: If the project changes or grows, you might end up paying more or not getting exactly what you need. Consultants might push back on additional requests that go beyond the initial agreement.
Limited Flexibility: If new insights or challenges pop up mid-project, it can be harder to pivot without renegotiating fees.

4. Performance-Based

Pros:

Results-Driven: You only pay for outcomes. This model aligns your goals with the consultant’s motivation—they win when you win.
Low Upfront Risk: There’s less financial risk because you don’t pay until results are delivered, making it an attractive option if you’re budget-conscious or want to minimize risk.

Cons:

Short-Term Focus: To hit those targets, consultants might cut corners or focus on quick wins rather than building long-term strategies that will benefit your business in the future.
Can Be Expensive: If they’re delivering huge results, you could end up paying significantly more than you would with a project or day rate model.
Harder to Track Success: Depending on how success is measured, it can get tricky to define what counts as a “win,” which may lead to disagreements down the line.

5. Value-Based

Pros:

Focus on ROI: The consultant’s fee is tied directly to the value they bring to your business, aligning their goals with your success.
Big Impact for High-Value Projects: This model works well when a consultant can deliver measurable, high-impact outcomes that generate substantial business growth.
Flexible for High-Performing Consultants: Consultants who know their worth can create more lucrative opportunities, which can lead to stronger results for your business.

Cons:

Hard to Define Value: It can be tricky to determine the exact value a consultant brings to your business, leading to disagreements or overestimations.
More Expensive for Large Projects: Since pricing is tied to the value provided, it can result in significantly higher fees for larger or more successful projects, which may strain smaller budgets.

6. Combination of Models

Sometimes, a mix of pricing models is the best approach. This gives you the flexibility to pay for both time and results, allowing you to minimize the risks tied to any single pricing model. By combining day rates, project-based fees, or performance incentives, you can create a customized payment structure that works best for both you and the consultant.

If You Think You Might Change Strategy Midway:

Go with Day Rate. This is your best option if you're expecting things to evolve as you go. If you’re unsure about the final direction or need room to pivot, paying per day allows you to adjust plans without getting locked into a rigid agreement. It’s perfect when you need flexibility, and your project scope isn’t set in stone.

If You Need Ongoing Support for Long-Term Strategy:

Go with Retainer-Based pricing. This model is perfect for businesses that need continuous, long-term marketing support. If you require consistent consulting services—whether it’s for managing campaigns, regular strategy updates, or monthly check-ins—a retainer offers both predictability and commitment. It’s great for building a solid relationship with your consultant, and you can ensure they’ll be available when you need them.

If You Have a Clear, Well-Defined Goal:

Go with Project-Based pricing. If you know exactly what you need, and you’re looking for a specific outcome—like a completed campaign strategy, SEO overhaul, or rebranding—this model is ideal. You pay once, and the job gets done (tactical side of course. You still need to execute the plan given!). No surprises. This is great for one-off projects where the scope won’t change much.

If You Want to Pay Based on Results:

Go with Performance-Based pricing. This is a solid choice if your focus is on measurable outcomes, like increasing sales, improving ROI, or saving money on your marketing spend. It's high-risk but high-reward. If you know exactly what success looks like (e.g., X% increase in conversions), and you want to pay based on hitting those goals, performance-based is the way to go.

If You Want to Pay Based on the Value Delivered:

Go with Value-Based pricing. If your project has a big potential upside, and you’re more concerned with the business impact rather than the hours worked, value-based pricing is a good fit. You’re paying for the results the consultant will bring, which makes this model perfect for high-impact, strategic work where the outcome will significantly influence your business. It's ideal when the consultant can directly tie their work to a large ROI for your company.

If You Want the Best of Both Worlds:

Consider a Combination of Models. If your situation is complex—maybe you need flexibility but also want to incentivize results—you can mix and match models. For example, start with a day rate for initial strategy work and then switch to performance-based for the execution. This way, you level out the risks and get the most value from your consultant.

Day Rate:

For smaller companies (under $10M in annual revenue), expect day rates between $800 to $2,500. However, if your company is pulling in tens or hundreds of millions in revenue, day rates can easily reach $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the consultant’s reputation and the complexity of the task. Larger companies will naturally attract consultants with deeper expertise, and that comes at a premium.

Retainer-Based:

For small to mid-sized businesses, monthly retainers can range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the services provided and the consultant’s expertise. For larger companies, or those needing more ongoing, hands-on support, retainers can climb to $20,000 to $50,000+ per month. Retainers are particularly common in long-term relationships where a consultant acts as an external CMO or continuous marketing strategist.

Project-Based:

Smaller businesses might see project fees ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, but if your business is doing $50M+ in revenue, consultants will scale their services accordingly. For large companies, project-based pricing can go upwards of $100,000 to $500,000 or more, depending on scope, industry, and market demands.

Performance-Based:

For smaller businesses, performance-based pricing typically falls in the 10-20% range of increased revenue or savings. However, for larger businesses with more complex KPIs, the consultant might negotiate a lower percentage but on a much higher volume. Think 5-10% on larger deals, especially if we’re talking about generating millions in new business.

Value-Based Pricing:

For small businesses, value-based pricing may start at $10,000 to $30,000+, depending on the projected ROI from the consultant’s work. Larger companies with higher stakes projects could see value-based fees ranging from $50,000 to $200,000+, especially when the consultant’s work could deliver significant business growth or save millions. The fee scales based on the perceived value and impact of the consultant’s contribution.

Combination of Models:

When mixing pricing models, the costs can vary significantly depending on the elements combined. For example, you might pay $2,000 to $5,000/day for initial strategy work and then layer in a 5-10% performance-based fee for measurable outcomes. Larger businesses combining these models could see day rates rise to $10,000 or more with performance fees or project fees scaling based on results or scope. This structure allows for a highly customizable payment plan depending on the needs of the business.

When you hire a consultant, you’re paying for clarity and results. Expect them to:

Dive deep into your current strategies and processes, find the leaks, and patch them up.
Give you a roadmap to fix your marketing—whether that’s building a better funnel, improving your brand positioning, or creating a data-driven ad strategy.
Keep it lean. No fluff, no bloated reports—just actionable insights and steps to get your marketing back in shape.

Identify the Problem

Ask yourself: Are you hitting a growth ceiling, launching something new, or struggling with ROI? Pinpoint the issue first.

Decide Between a Consultant or Agency

If you need strategy only, hire a consultant. If you need full execution (like running campaigns), go with an agency.

Choose Your Pricing Model

Go with day rate for short-term or flexible projects.
Choose a retainer if you need long-term, ongoing support.
Opt for project-based if you have a clear, one-off goal.
Pick performance-based if you want to pay only for results.

Find the Right Consultant

Look for someone with proven experience in solving your specific problem. Check their past work and testimonials.

Set Clear Expectations

Define the scope of work, timeline, and deliverables upfront. Make sure both parties are aligned on goals.

Monitor Results

Track the consultant’s impact on your business and adjust your plan if needed.

Our Rating Guidelines

AAA Rated Marketing Consultants only get this rank if we have sent a client previously and the client has given us positive feedback.

Works On: High-stakes projects for companies doing $50M+ in revenue. These consultants work with large marketing teams and handle multi-channel strategies across digital, traditional, and emerging platforms.
Delivers: Significant revenue growth, optimized processes, and a clear roadmap for scaling. They excel at breaking through growth ceilings and driving measurable results across the board.
Who Should Hire: Large, established businesses looking to elevate their marketing to the next level. If you need a consultant to overhaul or optimize a massive marketing operation, AAA-rated consultants are your go-to.

Works On: Medium to large projects for companies making $10M–$50M annually. They’re great at scaling up existing operations and improving multi-channel marketing efforts.
Delivers: Solid increases in leads, conversions, and overall marketing efficiency. They can optimize what you already have and help you expand into new marketing channels or audiences.
Who Should Hire: Mid-sized businesses that are growing steadily but need someone to take them up a notch. AA consultants can boost what’s working and fix what’s not.

Works On: Smaller-scale projects or ongoing work for businesses up to $10M in revenue. These consultants handle focused campaigns, such as improving SEO, social media, or paid advertising strategies.
Delivers: Steady, consistent growth in traffic, leads, and brand presence. They refine your marketing operations and help underperforming areas improve.
Who Should Hire: Small to mid-sized businesses that have some marketing presence but need someone to come in and optimize performance without overhauling the whole system.

Works On: Foundational marketing projects for startups and small businesses typically earning under $1M. They’ll work on everything from setting up your first SEO strategy to refining your social media presence.
Delivers: Noticeable improvements in visibility, lead generation, and audience engagement. They help you build a solid marketing foundation that you can grow from.
Who Should Hire: Small businesses and startups looking to establish or grow their online presence. They’re excellent for businesses needing direction and practical support to implement effective marketing strategies.

Works On: Strategic projects for new businesses or companies with an online presence that needs improvement. These consultants provide guidance, build strong marketing foundations, and help businesses develop a clear strategy.
Delivers: Strong brand presence, structured marketing plans, and effective online visibility. C-rated consultants are not just about social media—they can set you up with everything from website optimization to email marketing strategies.
Who Should Hire: Early-stage businesses, or those with an online presence needing clarity on what to do next. C-rated consultants are perfect for helping businesses understand how to grow from where they are and implement key strategies for success.

Contents hide

1. Day Rate

6. Combination of Models

Day Rate:

Combination of Models:

Identify the Problem

Decide Between a Consultant or Agency

Choose Your Pricing Model

Find the Right Consultant

Set Clear Expectations

Monitor Results

1. Cristian Carnevale

2. Cheryl Fenelle Dixon

3. Chris Anderson

4. Ashley Hart

5. Kimberly Zar Bloorian

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does a marketing consultant do?

2. How do I choose the right marketing consultant for my business?

3. What is the difference between a marketing consultant and a marketing agency?

4. How can I measure the success of a marketing consultant’s work?

5. How much do marketing consultants charge in NYC?

1. Cristian Carnevale

Reputation Score: AA

About the Consultant: Cristian Carnevale is widely regarded as one of the best marketing consultants in New York City. With experience since 2000, he has consistently delivered exceptional results across multiple industries, specializing in both digital and traditional marketing strategies.

Cristian's expertise spans a wide range of services, including SEO, paid media, content marketing, and brand strategy. He is a versatile choice for businesses looking to boost their presence in a competitive market.

His ability to craft innovative marketing solutions tailored to each client’s unique goals sets him apart from the competition. Clients praise his hands-on approach, which combines strategic insight with clear, actionable steps to maximize return on investment.

Cristian excels in creating data-driven campaigns that generate engagement and deliver measurable business outcomes. His proactive communication ensures that clients stay informed about the progress of their marketing efforts with regular updates and reports.

Contact Details: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristiancarnevale/

2. Cheryl Fenelle Dixon

Reputation Score: AA

About the Consultant: Cheryl Fenelle Dixon is a highly skilled marketing consultant in New York City with 30 years of experience helping brands develop impactful digital marketing strategies. She specializes in content marketing, social media management, and email marketing, making her a go-to expert for businesses aiming to increase customer engagement and loyalty.

Cheryl has built a reputation for her ability to craft personalized marketing campaigns that resonate with target audiences, helping brands stand out in a crowded market. Her clients appreciate her strategic vision and dedication to delivering results.

Cheryl's deep understanding of brand storytelling and customer behavior has significantly improved brand visibility and customer retention for the businesses she works with.

Known for her organized, results-driven approach, Cheryl consistently provides clients with the insights they need to refine their marketing efforts and achieve sustainable growth. Her clear communication and regular updates ensure that clients are always in the loop.

Contact Details: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylfdixon/

3. Chris Anderson

Reputation Score: AA

About the Consultant: Chris Anderson is a top-tier marketing consultant in New York City with over a decade of experience in digital marketing and advertising. His expertise includes SEO, PPC advertising, and conversion rate optimization, making him an ideal partner for businesses seeking to boost their online presence and drive measurable results.

Chris’ deep understanding of marketing analytics allows him to develop data-driven strategies that maximize ROI for his clients. Known for his ability to craft effective multi-channel campaigns, Chris excels in both paid and organic strategies, ensuring that businesses get the best of both worlds. His hands-on approach and commitment to excellence have earned him a reputation for consistently exceeding client expectations.

Chris' clients commend him for his proactive communication, delivering detailed progress reports and insights that help them make informed decisions. His forward-thinking strategies have significantly impacted businesses of all sizes, solidifying his place among the best marketing consultants in New York City.

Contact Details: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisandersonfastrock/

4. Ashley Hart

Reputation Score: AA

About the Consultant: Ashley Hart is recognized as one of New York City's top marketing consultants. With over 25 years of experience in traditional and digital marketing, her wide-ranging expertise includes content strategy, brand development, paid media, and influencer marketing, making her a versatile consultant who can address the complex needs of modern businesses.

Ashley is known for her innovative marketing strategies that have helped numerous brands elevate their market presence and achieve sustainable growth. Her deep understanding of consumer behavior and her ability to create compelling narratives allow her to build authentic connections between brands and their audiences.

Clients consistently highlight her ability to deliver measurable results, from increasing brand awareness to boosting conversion rates.

Ashley’s proactive approach and transparent communication ensure that clients are always up-to-date on campaign performance and strategic adjustments. Her commitment to excellence and passion for marketing have solidified her as a trusted advisor for businesses looking to achieve long-term success.

Contact Details: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyhart/

5. Kimberly Zar Bloorian

Reputation Score: AA

About the Consultant: Kimberly Zar Bloorian is a distinguished marketing consultant based in New York City, bringing over 10 years of experience in integrated marketing strategies and brand management.

With a strong focus on content marketing, social media strategy, and customer engagement, Kimberly has helped a variety of businesses enhance their brand storytelling and connect more effectively with their audiences.

Her strategic insights and creative approach have significantly improved brand visibility and customer loyalty. Known for her collaborative style, Kimberly works closely with clients to develop tailored marketing solutions that align with their specific goals. Her ability to analyze market trends and consumer behavior allows her to craft innovative campaigns that resonate deeply with target audiences.

Clients praise her for her attention to detail and commitment to delivering measurable results. With her extensive knowledge and proactive communication, Kimberly has established herself as one of the leading marketing consultants in New York City, driving meaningful growth for the brands she partners with.

Contact Details: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyzar/

6. Kate Strachnyi

Reputation Score: AA

About the Consultant: Kate Strachnyi is an acclaimed marketing consultant based in New York City. With over 10+ years of experience specializing in data-driven marketing strategies and analytics, she is known for her proficiency in leveraging data to inform decision-making. Kate helps businesses understand their audience and optimize their marketing efforts for maximum impact.

Her expertise spans across digital marketing, content strategy, and customer insights, making her a vital resource for companies looking to enhance their market presence. Kate’s innovative approach focuses on creating compelling narratives backed by data, enabling her clients to engage effectively with their target audiences. She has a proven track record of developing successful campaigns that drive significant growth and measurable results.

Clients admire her collaborative spirit and ability to simplify complex data into actionable insights. With her strong communication skills and commitment to excellence, Kate has solidified her reputation as one of the top marketing consultants in New York City, helping brands navigate the complexities of today's digital landscape.

Contact Details: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-strachnyi-data/

7. Arianna O'Dell

Reputation Score: A

About the Consultant: Arianna O'Dell is a skilled marketing consultant in New York City, boasting over 15 years of experience in digital marketing and brand strategy. Her expertise encompasses social media management, content creation, and influencer marketing, enabling her to help clients cultivate a strong online presence and foster meaningful connections with their audiences.

Arianna's innovative approach to marketing allows her to craft customized strategies that align with her client's unique objectives and resonate with their target demographics. Clients appreciate Arianna's ability to turn insights into action, as she leverages data-driven analysis to optimize campaigns effectively. Her knack for storytelling and understanding of consumer behavior enables her to create compelling content that drives engagement and builds brand loyalty.

Arianna is known for her clear communication style and ensures that clients remain informed and involved throughout the marketing process. Her dedication to delivering consistent results and enhancing brand visibility has established her as a trusted partner for businesses aiming to thrive in the competitive New York market.

Contact Details: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariannaodell/

8. Amanjit Kaur, CSM

Reputation Score: A

About the Consultant: Amanjit Kaur is a standout marketing consultant in New York City with over 8 years of experience in digital marketing, project management, and agile methodologies. Her diverse expertise allows her to deliver customized, efficient marketing solutions that are both strategic and results-oriented.

Amanjit specializes in helping businesses streamline their marketing processes while implementing high-impact campaigns across SEO, content marketing, and social media.

Her clients particularly value her ability to manage complex marketing projects while keeping them aligned with business objectives. Amanjit's consultative approach ensures that each marketing initiative is tailored to the client's specific needs, leading to significant improvements in online visibility, engagement, and conversion rates.

Her agile mindset, combined with strong communication skills, enables her to provide continuous updates and optimize strategies based on performance data. Her adaptability and commitment to quality make her a trusted partner for brands seeking growth in today's dynamic market.

Contact Details: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amkaur11/

9. Bill Turner

Reputation Score: A

About the Consultant: Bill Turner is a highly regarded marketing consultant in New York City with 4 years of experience specializing in digital advertising and lead generation. His expertise lies in pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns, social media marketing, and conversion optimization, helping businesses increase their online visibility and generate quality leads.

Bill has a strong reputation for designing effective, budget-conscious campaigns that yield tangible results. This makes him a top choice for small and mid-sized businesses aiming to maximize their marketing ROI. Bill's clients appreciate his strategic thinking and his ability to translate complex marketing data into actionable insights.

His methodical approach to campaign management ensures that each initiative is aligned with client goals, consistently improving engagement and conversion metrics. Known for his responsiveness and detailed communication, Bill ensures clients are always informed about campaign progress and opportunities for optimization. His commitment to delivering results makes him a go-to consultant for businesses looking to grow their digital presence.

Contact Details: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-turner1/

Conclusion

New York City’s marketing consultants offer a range of expertise, from digital marketing to social media and brand strategy. Whether you’re a small startup or a well-established business, these professionals can provide the strategies and execution you need to grow.

With their experience and commitment to delivering results, these consultants are among the best in the industry. They help businesses achieve sustainable success in a competitive market.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does a marketing consultant do?

A marketing consultant helps businesses develop, implement, and refine their marketing strategies. They offer expertise in areas such as digital marketing, brand development, social media management, SEO, and paid advertising, tailoring their advice to each client's specific needs.

2. How do I choose the right marketing consultant for my business?

Choosing the right marketing consultant depends on your business's goals and the consultant's expertise. Look for someone with a proven track record in the specific marketing areas you need, such as SEO, paid media, or content marketing. Evaluating their communication style, experience level, and client reviews is also essential.

3. What is the difference between a marketing consultant and a marketing agency?

A marketing consultant typically offers specialized expertise and services, often with a more personalized approach. A marketing agency is a team-based service provider offering a broader range of marketing services. Consultants are often more cost-effective for smaller businesses needing targeted support, while agencies are better for large-scale campaigns.

4. How can I measure the success of a marketing consultant’s work?

Success can be measured through various key performance indicators (KPIs), such as increased website traffic, improved search engine rankings, higher conversion rates, or enhanced engagement on social media. A good consultant will provide regular reports and data to track these metrics.

5. How much do marketing consultants charge in NYC?

Fees for marketing consultants vary based on experience and the scope of work. In NYC, consultants typically charge anywhere from $100 to $300 per hour or offer project-based pricing depending on the services required.